Swimming Calorie Burn Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the swimming calorie burn calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Swimming Calorie Burn Calculator

Formulas Used

Calories Burned

calories_burned = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200 * duration_min

Calories per Minute

cal_per_minute = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
weight_lbsBody Weight(lbs)170
met_valueStroke & Intensity5.8
duration_minDuration(minutes)30
weight_kgDerived value= weight_lbs * 0.453592calculated

How It Works

Swimming Calorie Burn (MET Method)

Calories = MET x 3.5 x Weight(kg) / 200 x Duration(min)

Swimming MET Values

StrokeMET Freestyle (moderate)5.8 Freestyle (vigorous)9.8 Backstroke4.8 Butterfly10.3 Breaststroke5.3

Worked Example

A 170 lb person swimming freestyle (moderate) for 30 minutes.

weight_lbs = 170met_value = 5.8duration_min = 30
  1. 01Weight = 77.1 kg
  2. 02Calories = 5.8 x 3.5 x 77.1 / 200 x 30
  3. 03= 235 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does swimming burn?

Moderate-pace freestyle burns about 400-500 calories per hour for a 170 lb person. Butterfly and vigorous freestyle burn significantly more.

Is swimming good for weight loss?

Swimming is excellent for weight loss because it is a full-body workout that is easy on joints and burns substantial calories.

Which swimming stroke burns the most calories?

Butterfly burns the most calories (MET 10.3), followed by vigorous freestyle (9.8) and breaststroke (5.3).

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Swimming Calorie Burn Calculator